"If all else fails, read the instructions"

Steve, Happy new year, and welcome back! I really enjoyed your discussion of the First Opium War. If you haven't reached it already, you should check out Flashman and the Dragon, G.M. Fraser's account of Flashman's exploits in the Second Opium War and the contemporary Taiping Rebellion. One of my favorite Flashman books. And I loved your closing line. My 7th and 8th grade science teacher used it often. The scenario went like this: she would hand out a test, and immediately several students (usually striving girls) would erupt in questions about the process. She would heave a deep sigh and shout: "When all else fails, read the instructions!" She was known for it. She was a wonderful teacher and a lovely lady. She's still a family friend 50 years later. When I was young I enjoyed building models, so reading the instructions has always been instinctive for me. However, in my life I have happened to spend a total of almost four decades associated with two different women for whom reading instructions is anathema (just my luck). As such, I have had occasion to use that phrase myself many times over the years. Have a good week. Yours, Dan.................Hello Dan, Thank you and Happy New Year to you too. I shall look forward to reaching Flashman and the Dragon, though I’ve got a little way to go yet! My father used the expression “if all else fails, read the instructions”, and as a result, it has stuck with me. It’s a classic isn’t it? I am glad it resonates with you too. Best wishes, Steve.